Go to the Top

With companies cutting back on everything from 401K contributions to free coffee in the break room, asking for more benefits now may seem like bad timing. But an Australian study showed that it can benefit you and your boss: Researchers found that healthy employees were nearly three times more productive than unhealthy ones. Make an appointment with your supervisor to discuss these three effective extras.

A Comprehensive Wellness Program

Whether it’s providing on-site flu shots or smoking cessation help, wellness programs are a great way to encourage healthier lifestyles. Getting one started or adding extra perks if your company already has one is usually an easy win. For those who don’t work at a huge corporation, visit the footwear company Keen’s website, keenfootwear.com, which has a tool kit for starting your own wellness initiative as well as a calculator for figuring out the return on investment for different workplaces -- helpful when pitching the idea to your manager.

Telecommuting

You might think convincing your employer to let you work from home one day a week is a long shot, but a study from the United Kingdom found that employees who can set their own schedules are more productive than those who have to follow a strict timetable. “Explain to your boss how much more you can get done without commuting,” says Nicole Williams, a career coach in New York City and author of the book "Girl on Top." “And say it can be on a trial basis. If she has a chance to see how it goes before committing she’ll be more likely to agree.” Find more advice at workoptions.com.

A Private Place to Pump

Companies with more than 50 employees legally have to provide new moms with breaks and a comfortable spot to express breast milk until their children are 1 year old. If your company is smaller, talk to your boss and explain that workplaces with a lactation support program are rewarded with lower turnover and absenteeism, according to a report by the United States Breastfeeding Committee.